RAS question
Who was the founder of the Rathore dynasty of Marwar?
Correct answer: (D) Rao Sihaji.
Rao Sihaji, also called Siha, is considered the founder of the Rathore dynasty of Marwar.
Explanation
Rao Sihaji is the right answer because both the question context and the official Balotra municipal history place him at the founding point of Rathore power in western Rajasthan. Municipal Council Balotra, Local Self Government Department, Government of Rajasthan describes Khed as an early capital of the Rathores of western Rajasthan and says that, at the beginning of the 13th century, Rao Sihaji, with his son Asthanji, took Khed from the Guhil Rajputs and planted the Rathore standard there. Rao Sihaji or Siha is identified as the founder of the Rathore dynasty in Marwar around 1226 CE. Rao Jodha belongs to a later stage: he founded Jodhpur in 1459, not the dynasty itself.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Rao Jodha is not the founder of the dynasty here; he belongs later, as the founder of Jodhpur in 1459.
- (B) Rao Chunda is not supported by the official Balotra history as the founding figure; Rao Sihaji is the founding figure.
- (C) Rao Maldev does not fit the founding stage asked in the question, because Rao Sihaji is identified as the Rathore founder in Marwar.
Concept
This tests the early medieval history of Rajasthan, especially the origin of Rajput ruling houses in Marwar. RAS repeats such questions because dynasty-founders, capitals and territorial beginnings are core factual anchors in Rajasthan history.